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#character creation
thehmn · 1 month
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People who were spoiled as children (or are spoiled children) are usually depicted as unpleasant monsters who insist on getting their way always, and for sure they exist but I’ve also met a lot of spoiled people, children or adults, who were super nice and generous because they were brought up with the knowledge that if they let someone else have something or give away one of their possessions they’d just get another one and that carries over into adulthood where they might not get another one but they still don’t feel the same attachment to material things.
So in my experience whether spoiled people are unpleasant have more to do with the values instilled in them by their parents as well as their general personality. I know one boy who won’t give anyone anything despite his parents giving him everything he wants and another who will hand you his entire birthday cake if you ask because he trusts that you’ll share it with him and if not his mom will get him another.
So nice spoiled people in fiction like Carlotte from Princess and The Frog aren’t unrealistic but they are probably a lot less satisfying for a lot of people.
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pixxeidust · 3 months
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something I've recently noticed with characters -- mainly my d&d characters -- is that backstories are especially fun if you take a trope or a common backstory but change your character's role in it. Bonus points if they're the "villain" in this trope, whether by accident/misunderstanding or actions they intended to do but will/do regret after character development.
"my parents were killed by a (vampire/evil wizard/raging maniac/whatever)" but you're the one who killed someone's parents and now they're out to fucking Get You.
"my spouse/significant other died and I'm out to avenge them" but you're an undead or have the Reborn lineage or something and you're the dead spouse trying to find your revenge-obsessed lover before they do something they'll regret.
"my village was taken over by a tyrant" but you're the tyrant who's been chased out and fallen out of power and now you have to get Away From Here Fast.
"my noble family's manor burned down and I want to find the person who did it" but you're the housemaid who's been cast aside and put out of a job, and needs a quick way to make some money.
it sort of instantly gives the character more depth and makes the backstory feel more three-dimensional. Your character has done something wrong, whether by accident or on purpose, and that makes them feel more human. Not to mention the fact that many of these automatically create the easy-to-harness plot device of Someone Is After Me.
Anyways, hope that's helpful in some way :> happy character making!
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piplupcola · 1 year
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Let's see what crazy character tumblr makes
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killin-kel · 2 months
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second part of my Dream SMP character design analysis because a lot of people liked that in my animatic. and now it's Tommy's turn!
(you can find first part with Wilbur's design here)
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writingwithcolor · 4 months
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(Part One) Hi, I am planning this fantasy series all set in a completely fictional world. There are no humans. Looking through your blog I already know some of the do's and don'ts of fantasy species and poc, but my question is, some of my fantasy species do have real skin tones and I wanted to give them features from different real races.
I read all your asks about fantasy races but I there wasn't one that talked about a fantasy world with no humans. My question is: is still othering to have poc in that context? Should I include more humans to balance it out?
Fantasy races with features from real human races
From what I gather, you are saying you are writing a fantasy series with no humans, but a variety of fantasy species, some of which have human-like features, including skin tones. I think this is a simple problem. 
When coding cultures and traditions:
Do not:
Code whole ethnicities/ races for whole species.
This would reinforce the racist pseudoscience notions that differences between groups with different outward appearances connote different intrinsic, biological and behavioral attributes.
Do:
Show ethnicities within species.
Show societal attributes that can all be linked to the circumstances of the environment, even if the outcomes are different for different groups living in the same region. 
Avoid dehumanizing coding Lastly, I advise against creating a [human-like features] = [more human personality] / [animal-like features] = [Less human] dichotomy as this too falls in line with “dehumanizing based on physical appearance” reasoning you are looking to avoid in the event your culture-coding ends up revealing any intrinsic biases.
Marika
(Edited for repeat paragraph Dec. 11, 2023)
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joseefinwrites · 15 days
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Ultimate "Know Your Character Inside Out" Template
The ultimate template for creating a character, without losing your mind, while you're at it.
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Character Background Template ... (open)
1. Name:
2. Age:
3. Gender & Pronouns:
4. Physical Appearance:
   - Hair color:
   - Eye color:
   - Height:
   - Build:
   - Distinguishing features (scars, tattoos, etc.):
5. Background and Upbringing:
   - Where were they born and raised?
   - What was their family structure like (parents, siblings)?
   - Describe their childhood environment and upbringing.
   - Were there any significant events or traumas in their past?
6. Education and Skills:
   - What level of education did they receive?
   - Did they excel in any particular subjects or skills?
   - Have they pursued any additional training or education since then?
7. Personality Traits:
   - Describe their personality in a few words.
   - What are their strengths and weaknesses?
   - How do they typically react under stress or pressure?
8. Motivations and Goals:
   - What are their short-term and long-term goals?
   - What drives them to pursue these goals?
   - Are there any fears or insecurities that motivate or hinder them?
9. Relationships:
   - Who are the most important people in their life?
   - How do they interact with family, friends, and acquaintances?
   - Do they have any romantic interests or significant relationships?
10. Past Experiences:
    - Have they faced any major challenges or setbacks in the past?
    - How have these experiences shaped their beliefs and values?
    - Have they experienced any significant losses or tragedies?
11. Worldview and Beliefs:
    - What are their core beliefs and values?
    - How do they view the world around them?
    - Are there any cultural, religious, or philosophical influences in their life?
12. Inner Conflict:
    - What internal struggles do they face?
    - Are there any unresolved issues from their past that continue to affect them?
    - How do these inner conflicts impact their decisions and actions?
13. Connection to Outer Conflict/Plot:
    - How does their personal journey intersect with the main plot or external conflict?
    - What stakes are involved for the character in the larger story?
    - How do their goals and motivations align (or conflict) with the central conflict?
 
(Shorter) Knowing Your Character Inside Out Checklist
Personality Traits:
   - Introverted/Extroverted
   - Optimistic/Pessimistic
   - Assertive/Passive
   - Empathetic/Self-centered
   - Logical/Emotional
   - Adventurous/Cautious
   - Honest/Dishonest
   - Ambitious/Content
Beliefs and Values:
   - Religious beliefs (if any)
   - Moral code
   - Political beliefs
   - Views on relationships
   - Attitude towards authority
Fears and Insecurities:
   - Common fears (spiders, heights, etc.)
   - Deep-seated insecurities (failure, rejection, etc.)
   - Traumatic experiences (if applicable)
Desires and Goals:
   - Short-term goals
   - Long-term aspirations
   - What motivates them to pursue these goals?
Strengths:
   - Intellectual strengths
   - Physical abilities
   - Emotional resilience
   - Social skills
   - Unique talents or abilities
Weaknesses:
   - Personal flaws
   - Areas of vulnerability
   - Bad habits
   - Limiting beliefs
Backstory:
    - Family background
    - Childhood experiences
    - Significant life events that shaped their identity
    - Education and career path
    - Previous relationships
-Josie
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3hks · 2 months
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How to Write an IMPACTFUL Backstory
Honestly, writing and reading about backstories is probably one of my favorite parts of a character's story! It's a strong foundation for a character's goals, motives, thoughts, and actions! Its most powerful effect, on the other hand, is its ability to change one's view on a character. So, then, how do we write such an impactful past?
For beginners, the more tragic the backstory, the better. While this does hold some truth, let me re-iterate that it's for beginners. The idea behind it is that a pure, devastatingly pitiful backstory is unique and pulls at your reader's heartstrings. Unfortunately, instead, we're left with an origin story that feels superficial, overly-dramatic, unnecessary, and shallow. However in this post, I will give you some tips on how to avoid creating such 2D backgrounds and actually bring your character's past to life!
First, your character's backstory can be made with whatever components you choose, but the key is that you must balance them out correctly. Additionally, the majority of the time, you do want their story to stick out, so I suggest trying to come up with something original! It's much harder than it sounds, but honestly, every other protagonist has dead parents at this point. Be creative, add details, and don't be afraid to let your character go through things if you feel that it's fitting!
Second, don't extend their past for too long. The point of introducing the backstory is to elaborate on a (few) certain event(s) that affected your character the most and forever changed their lives. Keep it centered around one, or at most, a couple events.
Next, most writers tend to use sadness and/or to fuel the character, but it should not be overbearing and excessive. Alternatively, it should feel GENUINE. Not dramatic, but genuine. Different genres do form different types of backstories, yes, but the core concept behind it should be something natural. It should be something that your readers will be able to understand; something authentic. They should feel some sense of relatability, even if it's just a little. This could be like family issues, broken friendships, betrayals, leaving someone, mental struggles, loneliness, etc. Complexity can surround these concepts, but the basic, fundamental ideas should still be present.
Furthermore, be sure that their backstory makes sense. Even if you're introducing it through quick, brief flashbacks, ultimately, you want the reader to have all the pieces to solve the puzzle.
Last but not least, make your backstory feel personal to your character! Build it in a sense that if it were to go to any other character, it wouldn't have an effect that's as severe. Make it targeted to its owner. While this is something that can be difficult to execute, it really provides insight to your character, and is an easy way to add some intricacy to a simple backstory! A good place to start is thinking about the things personal to your character. For instance, this could be their past before the event, people they care about, their morals, etc. Then, add it in said event so that it pushes and/or challenges your character in a way that makes them re-evaluate that value.
There you go! Here are my personal tips on how to upgrade your character's backstory and have it really impact your reader! Be creative, keep it centered around a couple things, make it genuine, and make it targeted to the character!
Happy writing~
3hks <3
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prokopetz · 8 months
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While I agree with the sentiment that having a character creation schema that doubles as an OC incubator is a cardinal virtue of any tabletop RPG, I think it's important to bear in mind that focusing on relatable identities and clear motivations and evocative personal histories is only one possible way of achieving that. Another is having a bunch of goofy rules toys and big stupid random tables that both encourage and facilitate creating some sort of Fucking Creature.
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wizardpotions · 8 months
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making it illegal to make characters with button noses and ski slope noses now btw. yes i hate fun or whatever, i simply do not want to see it
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marvelousbelladonna · 16 days
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Poor Marisha has a 30ft aura of cup clumsiness
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The Five Types of Readers That Read Your Fantasy Book (For Writers)
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As a fantasy writer, understanding your target audience is crucial for the success of your book. Knowing the different types of readers who are drawn to the genre can help you tailor your writing to their preferences and create a more engaging experience. In this blog post, I'll help you explore the five types of readers that are likely to read your fantasy book and provide insights into their characteristics and expectations.
The Escapist Reader
The first type of reader is the Escapist. These readers are looking for a break from reality and crave immersion in a rich and imaginative world. They are drawn to epic quests, magical creatures, and fantastical settings. As a writer, you can capture their attention by crafting a vivid and detailed world, filled with intricate plotlines and larger-than-life characters. Engaging their sense of wonder and providing an escape from their everyday lives will keep them hooked from the first page to the last.
The World-Builder
The next type of reader is the World-Builder. These readers are fascinated by the intricacies of world-building and the lore that shapes the fantasy realm. They enjoy exploring the history, mythology, and geography of the fictional world you create. To captivate these readers, focus on developing a well-constructed and cohesive world that feels authentic and believable. Pay attention to the small details, establish consistent rules of magic, and provide glimpses into the rich tapestry of your universe.
The Character-Driven Reader
Another important type of reader is the Character-Driven reader. These readers are emotionally invested in the journeys and growth of the characters they encounter. They want to experience the highs and lows alongside the protagonists, forming deep connections with them. To engage these readers, focus on creating well-rounded and relatable characters with compelling arcs. Develop their motivations, flaws, and relationships to evoke empathy and resonate with your audience on a personal level.
The Plot-Oriented Reader
The fourth type of reader is the Plot-Oriented reader. These readers are primarily interested in the twists, turns, and surprises that unfold throughout the story. They enjoy intricate and well-paced plots that keep them guessing. As a writer, you can capture their attention by crafting a narrative with unexpected twists, clever foreshadowing, and satisfying resolutions. Keep the suspense high and deliver a satisfying payoff to keep these readers engaged and coming back for more.
The Theme-Seeker
The final type of reader is the Theme-Seeker. These readers are drawn to the deeper meanings and messages embedded within a story. They enjoy exploring philosophical, moral, or social themes that resonate with them on a personal level. As a writer, you can captivate these readers by weaving thought-provoking themes into your narrative. Explore complex issues, challenge societal norms, and offer unique perspectives to stimulate their intellect and leave a lasting impact.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of readers that are drawn to your fantasy book can help you tailor your writing to their preferences and create a more immersive experience. Whether you are capturing the attention of Escapist readers, captivating the World-Builders with your intricate lore, evoking emotions in Character-Driven readers, surprising Plot-Oriented readers, or stimulating the intellect of Theme-Seekers, knowing your audience is key. By crafting a story that resonates with these reader types, you increase your chances of creating a loyal fan base and achieving success as a fantasy writer.
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Blow your readers mind. Happy writing!
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the-modern-typewriter · 2 months
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God, I love when a character's strength is also their flaw. It's just *chef's kiss*!
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thehmn · 3 months
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Just out of curiosity, do groups/nationalities in the US usually stick to specific naming conventions? I’m asking because whenever I name a character and say which country they’re from someone will say “But that’s an Italian name?” or “Why would they have a Jewish name?” which seems…odd to me?
For context, I’m from Denmark. I have a British name. My brother has a Swedish name. My sister has a Greek name. My dad had a German name. My mom has a Spanish name. My friend has a Jewish first AND last name despite having no Jewish family because her dad bought a random last name in his youth. I have Jewish ancestors but there’s nothing in any of my names to reflect that.
There are some names you’re unlikely to come across in certain areas but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. For example, Klaus is a German name that doesn’t stay within country borders but can be found in all the countries surrounding Germany and then some.
So I’m wondering if it’s a US thing to expect people to have names from the groups they come from or is it more of a story telling thing where everything about a character is supposed to have a deeper meaning?
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maxwellatoms · 6 months
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I decided that this week it's Ghastly Week on eBay, and I figured I'd share some stuff over here too!
Up top is (I think) my first drawing of Ghastly after the pilot. You can see some early Estroy sketches and my notes on who I was planning to hire for storyboards.
The rest of the sketches are from the model pack we did for the redesign. And at the bottom, there's the title card image from "The Pie Who Loved Me".
Since ECC was my Saturday Morning Action Cartoon Satire show, I knew I wanted an Evil-Lyn/Baroness type character in the crew. But it always bothered me that those women didn't really have anything going for their characterization. So I decided that Ghastly would basically be a good person. She was really just into science and didn't have any interest in taking over the world. She probably would have bailed on the whole operation long ago if she weren't not-so-secretly in love with her boss' mind.
No one said she had good taste.
She's got the rubber outfit, which was also inspired by G.I. Joe's Baroness. And probably all of the goth clubs I was going to. It seemed funny to me that anyone would choose to wear a rubber catsuit on a hot tropical island.
Since Grey DeLisle was already doing the voice for Mandy, I had some idea of how versatile she was. She'd done a Judy Garland impression for me at some point, and that was the starting point for Ghastly's voice.
I wrote Ghaslty's speech patterns and penchant for calling her boss "Chief" after The Beverly Hillbillies' Jane Hathaway.
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killin-kel · 4 months
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I've seen a lot of comments about my character design under the animatic, so I decided to do a little analysis of the shapes I use for Wilbur, enjoy hehe
(please ignore english mistakes it's not my native language so I'm struggling)
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grendel-menz · 6 months
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A somewhat randomly generated 'pirate' crew
The little references I started with - 2-3 random traits, a random quirk, and a song from my shuffled spotify likes and age... I'm not dead set on these since some don't really go together well but its a starting point!
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